Chapter 17

A/N: I do not own Inuyasha.

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The wolf demon could sense Sesshoumaru approaching from miles away, he was uneasy about the excessively tangible, dark flavoured fury accompanying the lord of the west, one that Tadao experienced only once, upon Rin's death. A moment passed and the two demons faced each other, both glares ferociously incisive.

"I know of everything. Why did you break the alliance and murdered her?!" At that point Sesshoumaru was not capable of hiding true emotions, a shiver went down his spine as the wind brought a faint scent of Yuutsuki's blood coming from Tadao's garments.

"Her death was necessary. The rumours will cease for the source of it is gone." The western lord roared dreadfully, barely caging his demon form.

"You shall pay for your actions."

Tadao's eyes remained aloof, observing Sesshoumaru's lunge towards him. Being unable to understand the reason of rage, he calmly asked:

"Was Ren Oka's life so dear to you?"

Sesshoumaru was stopped short on his tracks by the uttered words.

"I smell Yuutsuki's blood on you."

Tadao laughed in pure disbelief of the misinterpretation, unmistakably confusing his company.

"Yuutsuki is fine, it is Ren Oka that died."

Still, Sesshoumaru's uneasiness persisted for he could not explain why Shizuka would have lied. In order to prove his words Tadao touched his lord's shoulder and teleported them inside of the village. The pleasing scent of Yuutsuki was becoming stronger and fresher, until they entered Kaede's hut. For his great alleviation, the girl he had been longing for was in his sight and reach, staring at him, baffled by his sudden, unexpected arrival. She was lying down on her stomach to keep the wounded back resting, but the colour of her face seemed promising. She was bearing no traces of being marked by anyone. The mixture of concern, alleviation, disbelief and anger allowed him only to dryly utter in an accusatory tone: "Why are you still here, girl?"

Yuutsuki's glance went astray in order to avoid the chilling image of his bloody red eyes and tightly clenched fists. That was not the customary image of his and forthrightly, it would fright anyone, especially her, as their last conversation had not been favourable in the slightest.

Yuutsuki reached out and shakily placed her much smaller hand in Tadao's, depending on his strength to get up into sitting position. He tapped her head in a comforting gesture, despite noticing her tension and anxiety, he left without a word. The girl wondered about the reason of Sesshoumaru's rushed arrival, however being aware of his reluctance to explain himself, she remained silent, partly in fear of his answer. Could it be that after all lady Kimi had altered his mind and somehow prompted him to satisfy the royal lady's demands to mate her with a general of theirs?

"Do you still urge for my apology?"

Her head snapped up to look at the asker straight in the face, before her throat tightened and she could only gape at Sesshoumaru staring down from his superior location. His already golden eyes pierced hers, curiously seeking an answer. It was not a question she had predicted, such rapid relation to the past had staggered her, but also made her exhale with relief, scattering her former uncertainties.

"I am well aware that you recon it unnecessary." Her voice despite being weakened, rang out with a fierce tone in the speech.

"We are not always motivated by necessity, sometimes we move by instinct." The demon paused and stared at the girl's legs, once more convincing himself if not for that punishment, she would have been killed out of revenge. The languid, dark eyes were blatantly placed straight on his, piercing them with a slight umbrage, exceedingly contrasting with what he had imagined still in his house that very morning. Sesshoumaru could not overlook that, almost tasting her grudge towards his preceding actions, the altered feelings of his were permitting thoughts and reactions, which ordinarily he would not want to compel.

"Everything is as good as bad." She uttered lightly, her voice hoarse with emotion, dark eyes slightly losing the strict display. There was an obvious conflict within her, the time apart seemed to have helped in understanding his motives behind her punishment, although she could not forget, nor hide the pain and was quite vulnerable to his presence. Taking a step closer, Sesshoumaru moved his hand in a gesture to request hers, an invitation that had been negated at first, but accepted after a brief moment of thought. Her hand was warm, and the expected harshness from sword wielders had been replaced with soft skin. Under Sesshoumaru's ever-lasting cool and aloof expression, a storm of feelings and controversial thoughts had broken upon letting go of Yuutsuki's hand. The demon turned away, ready to leave the hut, but he had yet to know of the sentence that would stop him, that would bring a realization of how dangerous his attachment to her was.

"Do not go…"

His loosely hung arm was grasped by Yuutsuki's soft hand, which gradually slid down, reaching his palm. Sesshoumaru's claws twitched, he was aware of the risks of remaining in that hut. Without looking he could tell the pride and confusion were mixed in her glare, and as he pleaded to be let go, the grip grew tighter and the sense it brought, more abrasive.

"I do not take orders."

The demon hesitated to commit his feelings towards the human girl, a desire made impossible since he still felt Shizuka's scent around. Unsure if Yuutsuki was able to sense the female demon's obscene odour in him and fearing that it would pose as an offence to her, Sesshoumaru shook his hand slightly, as if to drive away a persistent fly, but the clench remained, becoming even stronger and more present. Mildly annoyed at the resistance, he looked down through his shoulder, ogling her.

"I…" A silent second broke in her line of speech. "I am afraid." The last three words were said in a cracked whisper, and the dark, humid eyes fixed on his reserved look, bringing a new emotion to Sesshoumaru's heart. There was no possibility he could leave her under such a stance. He dropped to one knee and swiftly turned his hand, and as their palms were facing, he locked his fingers on hers. The simple gesture had brought them closer and an intimate atmosphere had fallen between them, allowing him to forget the fresh memory of Shizuka, it had faded away, dropping along with the white snow outside.

The fear in Yuutsuki's clouded mind had softly worn and she could fully direct her attention to the feelings Sesshoumaru had displayed, as always he could not open himself entirely to her, neither she to him, so as to go against instinct, both drew the gap between them shorter. Without breaking gazes, their lips touched only for a brief second, Yuutsuki had quickly withdrawn herself, feeling they had gone too far, fearing what she could expect beyond that point, as well surprised at the unwanted turn of action for she had betrayed her pride by ignoring the suffering she had gone through due to the demon's choices. Sesshoumaru's male nature made him feel rejected and tempted to force an actual kiss, but having learnt from past experiences, he regained control of his behaviour and softly dropped the girl's hand on her leg.

She directed a casual look at him, relieved that he had accepted her decision in order to avoid untold complications. The demon's expression however, remained as reserved as ever, but his eyes gave away the confirmation Yuutsuki expected, his feelings for her had not changed, but were made clearer after that moment. The winds were almost playfully blowing outside, shaking the hut's structure and creating an unpleasant, squeaky noise. Sesshoumaru took out Tenseiga and placed her alongside the girl and said with his usual, deep voice.

"I will be around."

Yuutsuki nodded her head and in a moment was left alone, an unforeseen frustration flowing amidst the blood in her veins. The behaviour of hers was not the course of action she had wished to see. Instead of standing by her resolutions of staving off, staying immune in order to finish the entrusted mission as fast as possible, she had willingly, almost with optimism, allowed herself to be drawn closer towards the cold-hearted plague of grief called unrequired love. Despite Sesshoumaru's apparent attachment, it was sure that once again she was a moveable, disposable and easily perusable part of his game to which only he knew the rules to. The most problematic aspect though was the fact that she could not decide whether to participate or to resign, she was merely able to go with the flow, allowing blind luck gamble her fate. Yuutsuki grabbed Tenseiga and hurled it across the tiny chamber of Kaede's hut, cursing herself for being weak and giving in to emotion whenever Sesshoumaru was around.

/

Sesshoumaru traced Tadao's smell, joining him around the borders of the village.

"Why didn't she return to the future?" Albeit simple, his question was not easily answered.

"I am not familiar with it, lord Sesshoumaru, but it seems to me, that the passage has closed for her. The other girl managed to go through, however Yuutsuki could not."

"Hm…" The pensive response brought several moments of silence between them.

"Ren Oka is dead, the demons pursuing Yuutsuki are bound to retreat." Sesshoumaru closed his eyes before answering.

"The demons are also dead. Around two weeks more and the rumours should disappear." Tadao nodded his head in amazement on how fast the issue had been solved.

"I intend to return to my fatherland." The wolf demon's declaration brought an infrequent, astounded expression to Sesshoumaru's habitually apathetic face, however was buried rapidly under a smirk.

"True power is to willingly renounce it, meanwhile being able to retain it with no difficulties." Tadao bent lowly, positing the words for consent of his policies.

"I respect your choices, however I must ask you to postpone it." Sesshoumaru added and the wolf demon quickly straightened up his position.

"It is my duty to protect the ring's wielder, and that protection will be needed in the battle with Naraku, who I hope to kill with my own hands." Sesshoumaru bared his fangs upon recalling the sinister actions towards small Rin.

"I count on your aid." Tadao nodded affirmatively.

"But before that I want you to travel west to a village called two stones. Rumours spread that the village's monk is in possession of the lost Rens' ring, the one from the current times. Retrieve it and return here."

The golden and grey eyes met in understanding, the wolf demon disappeared, leaving Sesshoumaru in the middle of a meadow.

/

"Are ya sure ya don't want to go out yet, child?" Kaede's doubtful expression deprived Yuutsuki of any hopes for understanding as she sighed, not sure what to answer. Tadao had left after a brief goodbye and a promise of returning soon, so only her and the demon lord had been around. Even if she was to depart, where would she go?

"Lord Sesshoumaru's been roamin' around the village for three days, he's waitin' for ya."

Yuutsuki had been indeed occasionally sensing his presence around for the last couple of days, as if on purpose inviting her to the sticky web of perceptions and jeopardies, counting on her vulnerability, weakness to guide her straight into his unfair game.

In her mind, she deemed his every action as planned, that with every step he had wanted to gain something, or maybe cause certain behaviour of hers, nevertheless to be frank even she, herself, was not absolutely confident about it. The assumption of him truly attempting to get closer towards her awoke anxiety, but as well rampant expectations, which she grew to be abashed of.

"The feelings I shun follow me."

Kaede threw a surprised look at the girl. Yuutsuki did not expect the old woman to understand something so separated from the context.

"I am going out." Her still aching body slowly rose to the full height and the pale hand grabbed Tenseiga along with the Rens' sword. Kaede cast a warm coating on her shoulders.

"The previous one was too stained. That is all I've got. Take it. Your body is really weak."

Yuutsuki bowed politely.

"I will be back soon."

The freezing wind hit her cheeks, lashing mercilessly as soon as she stepped outside. Her poor footwear hindered in such a simple activity as walking, resulting in arduous stroll towards the faint presence of Sesshoumaru's energy.

The girl could not precise how long she had been outdoor, for each minute in such tough circumstances felt like an hour, her dewy hair glued all over her neck and face, further exposing her feeble body to the penetrating cold. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru's presence settled around, and he teleported just next to her. His armour was partly covered in snow, likewise the silver hair tied up high, the kimono of his had several wet spots, proving he had been outside for a while.

"You have recovered faster than I have expected."

Yuutsuki rose up her head, a visible doubt in her eyes was present, mixed with fortitude. She clamped her fist on Tenseiga, stretching the sword towards Sesshoumaru. In result, he placed his hand over hers. Triggered by the sudden touch, she dropped the sword, making it disappear in the deep snow and quickly withdrew the hand as she looked up, finding his eyes focused on her.

"Pride can be a virtue or an obstacle." The demon sighed, entirely conscious of her hesitancy, doubts and fears, he picked up the sword, placing it beneath his sash. "In your case, which one is it?"

Yuutsuki was cold, even though she had not been out for long, her body was trembling in compulsive shivers. Ponders, thoughts and assumptions that had been haunting her mind had melt down under his warm, golden glance. Impulsively, bright visions of darkness hid themselves behind shadows of the two of them among hoary tree trunks, all her fears seemed distant and utterly inadequate.

"I have no idea."

Sesshoumaru nodded, somewhat disappointed at her reply, as accordingly to his opinion, the human clearly sought to restrain the interaction between them, nevertheless her reactions and responses toward him were genuinely proving diversely. Reluctant to foist a thing, he decided to refrain from expressing his opinion, in addition he was sure that his companion would join them soon and he preferred to avoid her overhearing their conversation. As he had though, it happened, Shizuka appeared next to him, shocked to see the human girl along with Sesshoumaru.

"So she is not dead?! That is why you have been keeping me away from the village, not to sense her scent?" The female demon crossed her arms, pressing the fluffy overcoat tightly towards her body.

With a blank mind, Yuutsuki bowed abruptly, choosing to shun verbal skirmishes with his companion. Seeing them together was a perfect reason to distinct herself from Sesshoumaru and the feelings he had been prompting within her, a task she had been so reluctant to achieve.

"I will return to the hut."

Sesshoumaru muffled a growl, his anger was well justified, for the girl's self-contradictions caused by her fears and uncertainties had just widened.

"No. I shall take you there." He effortlessly grabbed her forearm, keeping it hung in the air and Yuutsuki's startled eyes rose to his in doubt of his intentions.

"My dear, were you not to take me to my mansion?" Shizuka's voice was furious, her demonic aura was swirling, randomly throwing sparkles of energy around.

"You are perfectly capable of doing it yourself." The answer astounded both females, the girl feared to cause inconveniences to the western lord, despite detesting Shizuka, the urge of not wanting to be an obstacle proved to be stronger, therefore she threw in quietly: "I can go by…"

"So is she! She came here, so she can return!" Her barely audible words were rudely disturbed by Shizuka's jaunty voice, her lips were visibly trembling. Yuutsuki felt Sesshoumaru's warm hand twitch, undoubtedly out of irritation, he detested to hear objections.

"I am honour bound to protect her, not you." The girl allowed an indistinct, triumphant grin to show on her face, also she could have sworn that Sesshoumaru had smirked as well upon hearing Shizuka's response.

"That's the third time you put her first. When will this stop?"

Sesshoumaru felt Yuutsuki's body quiver in cold, her completely wet hair pasted to her red cheeks, snowflakes hung on her eyelashes, such conditions certainly could conduce to a serious sickness, the meagre outfit did not stop the humidity from reaching her skin. Any further discussions in these conditions would unquestionably lead Yuutsuki to linger restricted for even a lengthier while. The demon was sincerely glad that the human had kept her habitual proud behaviour leashed, it would only cause more pointless arguments.

"Why is there always a human on the way of our relationship?!" Sesshoumaru shook his head in disapproval.

"We are merely associates." He suddenly pulled Yuutsuki closer, protecting her from a violent gust of wind and added: "The sooner you realize it, the better."

Leaving the enraged female alone, Sesshoumaru teleported them to Kaede's hut, startling the priestess with their sudden arrival.

"Give her dry clothing. I will wait outside."

The old woman nodded, noticing Yuutsuki's glare following the demon until he exited the place.

"Come child, don't let him wait long. I only have shrine outfit… Do you mind it?"

"No, not at all… Thank you." The wrinkled pair of hands passed folded, white-red robes and respecting her privacy, also left the hut. The days have been shorter and shorter, the dusk had started to settle around.

Ten minutes had passed, before a loud knock rang out, followed by Sesshoumaru's presence in the chamber, honestly she had not supposed he would return. The demon removed the overcoat and armour, sat comfortably against a wall, his affable eyes tried to read Yuutsuki's expression lit by the faint fire within the hut.

"You did not expect me to seek you today." The girl bowed her head in an apologetic gesture, focusing her glance on the floor mats, she expected a rebuke.

"Sit down, Yuutsuki." Surprised, she performed his command, trying to deduce his intentions.

"Once Tadao and my half-breed brother return all of us will depart to finally cease Naraku's existence. Do you have any objections?"

"I do not."

The demon closed his eyes and relaxed his drained body, listening to the fixed rhythm of her breaths. Not sure how to behave, Yuutsuki kept quiet, motionlessly observing his calm, aloof face.

He rapidly opened his eyes, expecting her gaze to stray off, however it remained daringly fixed on his, helping him to recall how bold that girl tended to be.

"Come in."

The door opened, inviting gusts of icy wind inside as Kaede entered the hut, bringing a middle-sized barrel along.

"The night is cold. I have brought you some sake to warm up. Have a good night." Sesshoumaru nodded his head as the priestess withdrew herself, leaving them alone again. It did not take long before Yuutsuki was feeling tipsy, her vision was muzzy, delightful warmth had settled within her body.

Supporting her chin on arms, her head titled to a side, she tried to capture thoughts running through her head. Suddenly, an irresistible urge to bother the silent demon came over, not abandoning the consciousness, persuading her to do so. Thirsting for self-expression, she struck him with an avalanche of trifles and insignificant details of the future. To her great surprise Sesshoumaru was truly attentive to her words, appearing entertained by her unrelated stories, which only encouraged her to continue. Once the drink finished, the drowsiness took over Yuutsuki's body. The demon did not react as the intoxicated girl placed her head on his thighs and blatantly fell asleep, oblivious of how inappropriate it had been. Sesshoumaru sighed, throwing a disapproving stare at her rosy cheeks, yet he did not make a single move, pondering how long has it been since he had slept. His clawed hand almost unconsciously extended towards her hair, caressing it once. As he had anticipated, throughout the little time spent together, Yuutsuki had not inquired about Shizuka's appearance, evidently she deemed it incongruous to pry in his matters. The demon deepened himself in thoughts until the fire died out, dipping the chamber in dense darkness. The calm rhythm of her heart beat helped him to assuage, bringing a pacified stance, which resulted in him dozing off completely.

The sun once again peeped through the clouds and injected life into the winter raw landscape. The morning was shackled in silence, the fluttery snowflakes were drifting down abundantly in the fog of airy silence. Upon opening his eyes, Sesshoumaru looked down, under a slight shock that he actually had fallen asleep next to a human. Remarking Yuutsuki's unchanged position, he tapped her chilly cheek. The girl stretched out like a nimble cat, her eyes opened and once they crossed his, her glance stirred in abashment. She lifted herself up immediately, comprehending the range of temerity perpetrated by her imprudent action. Not carrying any offence at the act, to alleviate her sense of guilt he said:

"Get ready and come out outside."

Relieved, she nodded fervently, being grateful for disregarding the embarrassing action. Sesshoumaru picked up his armour and swords, granting her an indifferent look.

He led them out of the village, making the way easier for the human by treading through the snowbound fields. Upon reaching an open space, far enough from curious eyes of the villagers, he stopped and took out his sword.

"I shall attack you. Protect yourself."

Yuutsuki steadied her posture, unsheathed the Rens' sword and with the right hand gripped the gelid hilt, placing the other hand athwart on the blade, she closed her eyes in concentration as the wind whipped her face. The ring emanated the familiar warmth, bringing a surge of demon power within her body. Sesshoumaru set off, circling around her in a medium speed, awaiting a right moment to strike. Suddenly, he lunged and swung the sword as if to decapitate her. She could feel its passage whisking her hair as she narrowly ducked.

"Did you forget how to fight?" His irate voice was so loud, so thunderously echoing in the empty space, that a tight feeling of fear knotted her stomach, conversely, releasing a boundless motivation to prove him wrong. Deeply breathing, she allowed more demon energy settle around her body, especially legs, and rushed towards him. Sesshoumaru did not anticipate such improvement in movement speed, he stood inertly, ready to guard whatever she had prepared. She swung the sword to the left, visibly to empower the offensive swipe to the right, yet in the last moment the blade swayed up, forcing the demon to move back abruptly. Yuutsuki had foreseen it and decided to strike from left to right, for typically the reverse was expected. Sesshoumaru smirked, favouring her rapid way of undertaking decisions, yet such juvenile tactics would not work on serious enemies, who would not only dodge, but also attack. In order to temper her bold strategy, instead of evading, he deflected the blow, he pushed the surprised girl to the ground. The demon attacked, assuming she would trundle and avoid the hit, however with burning determination in her eyes, she tried to withstand the clash of the swords. Despite using two hands, she would have been overpowered in an instant, if Sesshoumaru had not lessened his strength and backed off. Yuutsuki swore silently, noticing his leniency, verifying her inaptness. There was too big gap between them, she needed more power. Within the arm wielding the Rens' ring a burning sensation travelled through her veins.

To her great surprise, Sesshoumaru's demon energy suddenly exploded and he rushed towards her, slamming her to the ground. He tore out the sword form her hands, knelt above her and growled:

"Pull it back, now!"

Yuutsuki took a deep breath and fulfilled his demand silently.

"I think you are misunderstanding something." The chill of the snowy ground was penetrating her body, pierced by Sesshoumaru's strong arms. Despite calm voice, the superior gaze was a sign of an upcoming reprimand. At that point, Sesshoumaru urged to subjugate the worrisome human, show her that she was in no position to overpower a full blooded demon, even with the sword's power.

"Your task is to stay alive. You are mastering the sword in order to PROTECT yourself. If on battlefield a demon attacks you, your sword's skill are to enable you to RUN AWAY and hide behind my back."

He let go of her hands, not moving his eyes from her pale as winter's moon face.

"You are not a fighter. If you attack Naraku, you will die."

Sesshoumaru got up and in slow steps began to recede, assuming she would follow. The girl did not move though, remained still, as the snowflakes were slowly making a white layer on her brown hair. Yuutsuki observed the ghostly-silver moon still visible on matt grey sky, thinking how right the silver-haired demon was. Suddenly, a strong pull occurred, bringing her back to full height. His effulgent golden eyes set her heart a-thump.

"I will not allow a situation where you have to use it offensively." Unexpectedly, his hand parted the collars of her kimono, exposing a part of her cleavage. "So this…" His fingertips briefly touched the pale scar left after Kikyou's stiches. "Will never happen again."